The advantages of Pilates practice include:

• Improved posture
• Core strength
• Fluid movement
• Relaxation
• Better muscle tone

Additionally, anyone who has ever suffered from joint pain will find that it alleviates the pain associated with this condition. In fact, because of its emphasis on fluid movement, Pilates may be helpful in preventing the onset of arthritis.

Cutting to the Core of Pilates Training
Pilates spoke of the powerhouse, which included the deeper muscles of the abdominal area, the gluteus and the back. He believed that all movements stem from this area. Today, we call this region “the core.”

Pilates was ahead of his time. When the Australian physiotherapist Paul Hodges performed his research about back problems, he discovered that people who did not have lower back pain automatically activate their core muscles a fraction of a second prior to performing a given movement. The resulting core stabilization protects the muscles of the lower back.

In contrast, people with back problems activate their core muscles a second after a movement begins. This means that they are working from a starting position of instability. Instability is the enemy of fluidity. Movements that lack fluidity are jerky. Jerky movements cause back problems and other types of injury. Pilates exercise enhances the ability to activate the core, and thus prevent injury. Toned and defined abdominal muscles are a welcome side benefit of this core activation.

Perfecting Posture with Pilates
Additionally, by correcting common muscular imbalances, Pilates exercise aids in the development of optimal postural alignment. Yet unlike static exercise methods, the alignment, strength and flexibility achieved through Pilates is dynamic. Instead of holding a series of postures, you flow from movement to movement. As such, the technique simultaneously enhances flexibility and strength. Some instructors call this “strength with length.” Furthermore, the ability to maintain postural alignment while in motion is called agility, which is an important component of athleticism. Pilates' participants speak of their improved ability to catch a ball, ski a mogul, or quickly or spontaneously change directions.

Pilates: A Breath of Fresh Air
The breathing patterns that are incorporated into the Pilates movement promote relaxation and relieve anxiety. Furthermore, since the function of the deep core musculature to compress the air from the diaphragm on exhalation, these breathing patterns aid in core activation. You can see examples of the technique by trying out these free Pilates exercises. When you become proficient with the mat exercises, you may want try a Pilates machine class.

Pilates exercise was once in the domain of the professional athletes and dancers. Today, it’s become a popular exercise form for people of all professions. Joseph Pilates once said that he was 50 years ahead of his time. Apparently, he was right